Description
The objective of the activity is to develop an elegant breadboard of a high-power optical amplifier operating in L-band.TargetedImprovements:Enable access to spectrum in the optical transmission window(s) beyond the conventional C-band.Description:To date amplifiers in the optical L-band generate relatively low output power, which reduces their usefulness for high bandwidth data transmission. The activity will develop technologies to enhance their output power to the level of optical C-band amplifiers and thereby enlarge the optical spectrum for communication. The main engineering tasks are: To review the relevant amplification techniques and technologies currently demonstrated or investigated for terrestrial fibre optic communication. Perform simulations on how novel and already demonstrated techniques would perform in a spaceborne optical amplifier concept. Based on the simulations derive the most appropriate design for such amplifiers. Perform a table-top demonstration for achieving the high power at the desired wavelength band and with the most efficient wall plug efficiency. Develop an Elegant Breadboard looking with special attention to the thermal management. Integrate the Elegant Breadboard and demonstrate operation under thermal vacuum conditions. Support the Elegant Breadboard with the associate software to command the operation of the entire unit. Similar developments on longer wavelength optical laser/amplifiers in optical fibre communications have been demonstrated. See attached paper as an example of such a optical fibrelaser operating in long wavelengths. This provide confidence that a fibre amplifier can be implemented using the same principles."Procurement Policy: C(1) = Activity restricted to non-prime contractors (incl. SMEs). For additional information please go to:http://www.esa.int/About_Us/Business_with_ESA/Small_and_Medium_Sized_En….